Antigenic analyses of the adult worms of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis by crossed immunoelectrophoresis.

In order to identify and to characterize the antigens from Nippostrongylus brasiliensis which are involved in the in vitro blastogenesis of T cells from infected animals, we have established by crossed immunoelectrophoresis a two dimensional antigenic map of the adult worm homogenate. Polyclonal precipitating rabbit antiserum recognized 26 antigens including five enzymes in these homogenates. The antigenic enzymes, the precipitates of which are only stained by specific staining, are: aldolase, malic enzyme, acid phosphatase, peroxydase and cholinesterase. This antigenic map enable us to identify 26 antigens in adult worm homogenates and to compare them with those which will be contained in purification fractions from these homogenates or in homogenates from other parasites.